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b-c-mounties-confirm-identity-of-two-brothers-killed-in-southern-interior
BCMay 19, 2021

B.C. Mounties confirm identity of two brothers killed in southern Interior

Two men found dead near a small community in British Columbia's southern Interior last week were brothers and police say they are hoping the public can help in solving the homicides.The RCMP say they are releasing the names of 29-year-old Erick Fryer and 31-year-old Carlos Fryer in an effort to help their investigation.They say the bodies of the two men from Kamloops, B.C., were found by a couple walking in a remote area around Naramata Creek north of Penticton. Investigators believe the "unexpected deaths" were isolated and not a random act.Police say they have not uncovered any information
b-c-reports-2-deaths-and-411-new-covid-19-cases
BCMay 19, 2021

B.C. reports 2 deaths and 411 new COVID-19 cases

British Columbia health officials say second doses of COVID-19 vaccines may be given sooner than previously expected. The province says officials are closely monitoring the supply of vaccines and more information will be released in early June. In a statement, the province says with a large and steady vaccine supply after most people have had their first jab, officials will be able to consider how they might be able to accelerate the delivery of second shots. The province implemented a four-month gap between doses in order to get more people vaccinated with their first shot. B.C. reported 411
b-c-anti-gang-police-agency-issues-public-warning-about-11-people
BCMay 18, 2021

B.C. anti-gang police agency issues public warning about 11 people

For the second time in two days, a police agency in British Columbia has issued a public safety warning about potential gang violence. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit named 11 men ranging in age from 21 to 40 who are allegedly connected to an ongoing spike in gang conflict and violence in the province's Lower Mainland. Manny Mann, the chief officer of the special enforcement unit, says the warning follows a similar decision by the Vancouver Police Department on Monday to publicly name six alleged gang members. Three of the men listed in the warning by the anti-gang unit were also
mask-enforcement-updated-to-align-with-public-health-guidance
BCMay 18, 2021

Mask enforcement updated to align with public health guidance

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, is aligning the Emergency Program Act (EPA) order on face coverings with the provincial health officer’s (PHO) recently updated guidance on mask use in fitness facilities. As outlined in the PHO’s indoor individual exercise document, masks are now required to be worn at all times in fitness facilities, including during workouts. The change to the EPA order allows police and other officials to enforce this new guidance at their discretion.This updated ministerial order on masks ensures a co-ordinated response to COVID-19. For
victoria-police-looking-for-the-good-samaritan-who-was-attacked-while-trying-to-help-a-youth
BCMay 18, 2021

Victoria police looking for the Good Samaritan who was attacked while trying to help a youth

Victoria police are looking for the Good Samaritan who was attacked while trying to help a youth in the city's downtown area. Police say it happened last Monday night when the teen was assaulted by two other people. Officers were called to reports of four people fighting and arrived to find only the youth, who was taken to hospital for treatment, but a check of surveillance videos shows the fourth person was a bystander who stepped in to help the young victim. The Good Samaritan was kicked, punched and hit with a skateboard and police are appealing for any witnesses to the assault as they exp
no-increase-in-suicide-deaths-during-pandemic
BCMay 18, 2021

No increase in suicide deaths during pandemic

In response to concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of British Columbians, the BC Coroners Service has released preliminary data confirming there has been no increase in the number of lives lost to suicide sincethe pandemic was declared last year. From April 2020 to February 2021, there were 534 confirmed deaths by suicide in the province, 12% fewer than reported between April 2019 and February 2020. A total of 609 deaths by suicide were reported in the 2020 calendar year, an average of approximately 51 per month. That figure is consistent with the number rec
former-liberal-minister-seeks-party-leadership-after-almost-decade-away-from-politics
BCMay 18, 2021

Former Liberal minister seeks party leadership after almost decade away from politics

A former British Columbia government cabinet minister who left politics almost a decade ago to work in the private sector says he's entering the Liberal party's leadership contest.Kevin Falcon announced his leadership bid Monday, saying he wants to rebuild, renew and rename B.C.'s Liberal Party, which has lost its way since the 2017 election.Falcon is the third candidate to enter the Feb. 5, 2022 leadership race, joining Ellis Ross, the Liberal member of the legislature for Skeena, and Gavin Dew, a Vancouver entrepreneur and former Liberal byelection candidate. Liberal transportation critic M
1-360-new-covid-19-cases-and-14-deaths-reported-over-the-weekend-in-b-c
BCMay 18, 2021

1,360 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths reported over the weekend in B.C.

Health officials are reporting 1,360 new cases of COVID-19 over the past three days for an average of 453 each day. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says 14 more people have died, pushing the death toll in BC to 1,648. There are 350 people in hospital with COVID-19, including 132 in intensive care. Dr. Henry says more than 55 per cent of eligible people aged 18 and up have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and all remaining adults need to book appointments as soon as possible. British Columbia's provincial health officer says those who received the first dose of the Ox
surrey-rcmp-investigate-shots-fired-at-whalley-residence
BCMay 17, 2021

Surrey RCMP investigate shots fired at Whalley residence

Surrey RCMP is currently investigating a shooting that occurred at a residence in Whalley. The residence, which is known to police, has been the target of previous shootings. On May 16, 2021 at approximately 4:15 am Surrey RCMP responded to a report of a shots fired in the 10800 block of 139A Street. Upon arrival, officers located evidence confirming a shooting had taken place. Police did not locate anyone injured in the shooting. The investigation is still in its early stages however, initial indications are that this incident was targeted. While this shooting is tied to criminal activity,

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CanadaSep 17, 2026

Canada Must Focus on Value-Added Products Instead of Raw Materials: EDC

Amid the federal government’s efforts to open up new markets, Export Development Canada (EDC) said in a report released Thursday that Canada needs to invest in processing raw materials domestically and turning them into higher-value products instead of exporting them in their raw form. EDC CEO Alison Nankivell said such investments could add nearly $100 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade. The report used yellow peas as an example. While exporting raw peas may generate about $30 per tonne, processing them into flour can raise the value to $300 per tonne. Turning them into products
16-arrested-in-abbotsford-retail-theft-operation-project-pumpkin-spice
BCSep 17, 2026

16 Arrested in Abbotsford Retail Theft Operation ‘Project Pumpkin Spice’

Abbotsford Police have arrested 16 people accused of shoplifting as part of Project Pumpkin Spice, a retail crime enforcement operation conducted on Sept. 11 as part of a nationwide campaign. According to police, 11 officers from the Abbotsford Police Department’s Street Outreach Response Team worked with 20 local businesses during the 10-hour operation. Sgt. Paul Walker said several of those arrested had previous criminal records and outstanding warrants. Police recovered more than $1,600 worth of stolen merchandise during the operation. A vehicle allegedly used in the offences was also sei
b-c-municipalities-urge-eby-to-hold-provincial-election-after-local-vote
BCSep 17, 2026

B.C. Municipalities Urge Eby to Hold Provincial Election After Local Vote

British Columbia’s political scene is heating up amid signals from Premier David Eby that an early provincial election could be called. Amid the uncertainty, Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cory Ramsay is calling for any potential mid-term provincial election to be held only after the municipal elections are completed. Ramsay noted that local elections are scheduled for Oct. 17, with campaigning beginning Sept. 19 across 188 communities. He warned that calling a provincial election during the municipal campaign could distract more than 3,500 local candidates and residents from key iss
police-take-major-action-in-burnaby-hospital-fire-case-after-six-year-investigation
BCSep 17, 2026

Police Take Major Action in Burnaby Hospital Fire Case After Six-Year Investigation

Police have charged a 29-year-old Alberta man in connection with a fire at Burnaby Hospital in 2020, following an investigation that lasted nearly six years. Burnaby RCMP said the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges against Yu Yun Wang on September 8, including arson and endangering human life. The fire broke out on November 15, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the hospital’s mental health services wing. The blaze caused millions of dollars in damage, forced the emergency department to close and led to the evacuation of patients. Police said the suspect was identified in 2023 aft
AlbertaSep 17, 2026

Alberta Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Sexual Assaults on Vulnerable Women

An Alberta man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a series of sexual assaults against vulnerable women at a rural property near Calgary. Richard Robert Mantha, 62, was convicted of six offences, including drugging one of his victims, in incidents that occurred between 2019 and 2023. He was also found guilty of uttering threats against another woman. The court heard that most of the victims worked in the sex trade. Justice Judith Shriar said Mantha showed “callous disrespect” when he laughed as one terrified victim fled his rural property, fearing for her life. Mantha received cre